Interview With Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)
Umm Muhammad (Aminah / Emily Assami)
- Real name: Aminah Assami (also reported as Emily Assami)
- Known as: Umm Muhammad
- Nationality: American (California)
- Later life: Moved to Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
Background
- She accepted Islam after serious study of Arabic and Islam
- Studied Arabic in places like Syria, then settled in Saudi Arabia
- Taught:
- Tafsir (Quran explanation)
- Basic fiqh
- Known for writing and teaching in clear, simple English
Role in Translation
- Lead translator/editor of Saheeh International
- Oversaw:
- Language clarity
- Accuracy based on classical tafsir
-
Goal:
Produce a translation simple, direct, and faithful to traditional meaning
π© 2. The Translation Team (3 Women Total)
The three translators:
A. Umm Muhammad (Aminah Assami)
- Lead editor
- Main linguistic direction
B. Mary Kennedy
- American convert
- Assisted in:
- Editing
- Language refinement
- Consistency
C. Amatullah Bantley
- American convert
- Helped with:
- Drafting and reviewing
- Ensuring readability and correctness
π All three:
- Converted to Islam (around 1980s)
- Relocated to Saudi Arabia
- Worked together as a team on the translation
3. Where They Worked
- Main base: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Environment:
- Close to scholars
- Access to classical tafsir sources
- Their work became widely distributed through:
- Islamic publishers (especially in Saudi Arabia)
- Free Quran distribution programs
4. The Translation Itself (Saheeh International)
Key Features
- Modern, simple English
- Avoids:
- Old English (like KJV style)
- Complex academic wording
- Focus:
- Clarity for new Muslims
- Accuracy based on traditional Sunni tafsir
Why it became popular
- Easy to read for ESL audiences (very important for our mission)
- Clean, neutral wording
- Widely printed and distributed globally
π© 5. Important Observations (For Our Work)
Strengths
- Very clear English
- Good for:
- Dawah
- Beginners
- Public reading
Limitations (honest note)
- It is still:
- A translation of meanings
- Not the Arabic Quran itself
- Some scholars note:
- It follows a traditional interpretation approach
π© 6. Key Insight (Very Important)
This translation shows something powerful:
π Three American women (from California background)
π Learned Arabic deeply
π Came to Muslim lands
π Produced one of the most widely used Quran translations in the world
This is strong for dawah messaging:
- Islam is not foreign
- Truth reaches sincere seekers
π© Simple Summary (for IslamNewsroom style)
Who made this translation?
Three American Muslim women.
Leader?
Umm Muhammad (Aminah Assami).
Where?
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Why important?
Clear English + trusted meaning β used worldwide.
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